Shannon Bennett backs better burn care for hospitality
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SHANNON BENNETT BACKS BETTER BURN CARE IN KITCHENS
JULY 31st, 2026: Chef and restaurateur Shannon Bennett has backed a new Australian burn cream after trying the product first-hand in his own kitchens.
Launched by Pharma Apothecary and available direct to hospitality trade nationally, Bernie™ is a patent-pending formulation originally developed by Melbourne compounding pharmacist PJ O’Neill in the 1940s. The product has finally been brought to market by his grandson.
“We work in high-pressure environments where extreme heat is ever present and unfortunately burns are one of our most common occupational hazards,” said Bennett.
“I was cynical when I first tried Bernie because any chef will tell you that historically, we haven’t had many options. Usually, we dunk it in cold water and hope for the best so we can continue with service.”
Bernie™ formulates zinc oxide (5.5%) in a stable emulsion base of rich oils, soothing minor burns on contact and supporting skin recovery while forming a protective barrier over affected areas.
Bennett was so impressed with the cream that he approached the founders, asking not only to buy into the business, but to help get Bernie™ into commercial kitchens nationally.
“I am a big believer in supporting anything that makes our industry better and improves the lives of its people. It is difficult to stop in the middle of a service and treat yourself after sustaining a burn, especially now when teams are much smaller.
“Having something that can soothe burns immediately and support skin recovery is a complete game changer. I now keep Bernie™ in every kitchen, and I want to make sure that anyone who cooks at home, or works in a kitchen, knows about this product,” he said.
A Family Formula, Modernised
David Galbally, co-founder of Pharma Apothecary, spent three years modernising his pharmacist grandfather’s 1940s burn cream formulation before bringing it to market as Bernie™ in early 2026.
“While my family had been using grandad’s magic burns cream on every burn, scald or sunburn for decades, the rest of the Australian market was remarkably underserved. More than four years of market research confirmed it: over 500 interviews with workers in hospitality kitchens, where burns are a frequent occurrence, found that existing products offered only temporary relief,” he said.
Before launching to market, Galbally ran a six-month pilot of the product across 22 commercial kitchens which showed strong results including fewer reported injuries, improved staff experience and reduced lost shift time as a result of occupational minor burns. McDonald’s has since approved a nationwide rollout of the product in all its kitchens.
Built for the Back of House
Bernie™ is available in three formats for commercial kitchen deployment: a wall-mount dispenser for prep and wash stations, providing immediate access the moment a burn happens; a 50ml tube for first aid kits; and a 20-pack of 2g sachets so staff can continue treatment at home after their shift.
“We know that in a busy kitchen, Bernie needs to be visible and within arm’s reach to ensure immediate application,” said Galbally.
“We have a wall-mounted dispenser to be installed in kitchens, featuring single-use sachets. This ensures no cross-contamination in food environments from squeezing a shared tube and reduces shelf-life wastage,” he said. Staff can also be given sachets to take home and continue treatment.
In addition to rolling out in commercial kitchens and hospitality workplaces across Australia, Bernie is also available in 10ml and 50ml tubes in pharmacies nationally including Chemist Warehouse.
For more information or to stock Bernie, visit www.berniecare.com
Directions for the treatment of minor burns:
Run burn under cold water for 10 minutes before applying Bernie liberally to the affected area. No need to rub in. Wash hands after application. For larger applications or burns on hands or fingers, cover the treated area with a glove, wrap or gauze.
Bernie is listed with the TGA and suitable for use in food environments.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Bernie Burn Cream AUST L474890.
For media enquiries, interviews or product samples, please contact:
Dani Lombard at Stark Raven PR | dani@starkravenpr.com | 0405 385 990